My words drew the attention of the nearby officers, who couldn’t help but defend me. “Sir, ma'am, you need to focus on your health,” one of them said. “This accident wasn’t her fault. There’s no need to place blame.”
Thomas and Nancy exchanged a glance, frustration in their eyes. They couldn’t argue with the police, so they reluctantly let me stay. But I could see the tension building in them. The longer William’s body lay there, the more their plans crumbled. They were running out of time, and their nerves were beginning to fray.
Nancy, clearly desperate, tried a new tactic. She handed me a bottle of water, her smile tight. “You must be tired. Drink this. It’ll help.”
I took the bottle, pretending to be touched by the gesture, but the second I twisted the cap, I noticed it had already been opened. My heart raced, though I kept my expression innocent. Poison. Of course, they were getting desperate.
With teary eyes, I shook my head gently. “Mom, you’re so kind, but I can’t possibly drink this. You and Dad should have it instead.”